Dino Merlin, Srebrenica, and Serbian Victims: Why Are Some Valued and Others Ignored?
Silence, Emptiness, Remembrance – But Only for Some? Edin Dervišhalidović, better known as Dino Merlin, personally visited Potočari yesterday to pay tribute to the victims of Srebrenica on the 30th anniversary of the massacre. He signed the book of condolences and posted on Instagram: “Silence. Emptiness. Remembrance.” Emotional, touching, but… where are the Serbian victims? Why hasn’t Dino Merlin expressed sorrow for Serbian victims of the war? Are some victims more valuable than others?
Double Standards in the Music World While Dino Merlin performed in Niš, Jelena Karleuša canceled her concert in Sanski Most due to her statements about the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the suffering of the Serbian people. Dino Merlin has a scheduled concert in Serbia, and that didn’t stop him from going to Potočari. But if Serbian singers don’t support the genocide narrative, their concerts get canceled in BiH. Jelena clearly said: “I love and defend my country, and I don’t consider it genocidal.” Dino loves his country but considers Serbia genocidal? Money from genocidal Serbia doesn’t bother him, but money from those who hate Serbia bothers Jelena?
Political Games and Manipulations At the same time, in Novi Pazar and other places, blockade campaigns push the narrative that Serbia is a genocidal country. Opposition parties, media, and so-called citizens’ assemblies persistently repeat claims about genocide in Srebrenica, ignoring Serbian victims and crimes against Serbs. Nusreta Brunčević from Novi Pazar even claimed that the current regime in Serbia participated in the ethnic cleansing of Bosniaks, sparking outrage.
Forgotten Serbian Victims While the world focuses on Srebrenica, Serbian victims in Bratunac, Kravica, and other places are forgotten. Talking about genocide where there was none and ignoring real crimes is not just injustice – it’s dangerous manipulation of history. General Milan Jolović and other experts clearly state: “There is no genocidal nature in the genes of the Serbian people.”
Conclusion: Who to Believe? Is it possible to divide victims into more and less valuable? Is it possible to use history as a tool for political games? Dino Merlin went to Potočari but didn’t mention Serbian victims. Jelena Karleuša was canceled because of her views. Blockade campaigns and political manipulations continue, and the truth about the war and victims remains clouded.
If you think this is just another big power and propaganda game, you’re not alone. Maybe it’s time we all start valuing all victims, regardless of nationality. Or maybe not? Drop your thoughts and let’s see who dares to speak the truth out loud!
